I think I can get a better deal for my mobile service. What do I do now?

Pat yourself on the back! You’re just about to save money and hopefully enjoy better service.

Research company Canstar Blue found that seniors pay on average $21.77 for a mobile plan; if you’re paying more there is probably a better deal waiting for you.

Can I keep my phone number when I switch?

Absolutely. In fact did you know it is now a regulation that mobile service providers must allow people to keep their numbers when they change providers? It’s one of the main reasons there is now so much competition in the industry.

What plan is right for me?

Look through your bills and work out how you use your phone. If it is generally to make and receive calls and texts, then you don’t need to pay for a plan with lots of data.

Canstar Blue looked at what people are paying for mobile plans across Australia and found some big differences, even though the same plans were available nationally.

For example, compared to users in New South Wales, people in Victoria are paying around $10 more for prepaid sim only plans.

This shows that it is worth seeking out value. While a few dollars each week may not seem like much, as Canstar Blue said, over a year it could add up to another week’s worth of groceries or a doctor’s appointment.

Pennytel, for example, offer $20 per month for unlimited calls and texts and 2GB of data, without being locked into a contract. Plans such as this means you won’t get bill shock at the end of the month, and you’re free to adjust your plan should you, for example, go travelling and need more data short term.

With inclusions like this for just $20, you have to ask if you still really need that home phone!

Once you have a shortlist of plans, consider what level of customer service you’d like.

Do I really have a choice about customer service?

Definitely. Why choose to be stuck in endless loops of chatbots and transferred between departments? At Pennytel for example, they guarantee that a real person will always answer your call. They also specialise in providing services for the over 50s, so are able offer to an extra level of understanding and support because they know about the common issues for this age group.

How do I change providers?

It's a good idea to check a couple of things before you change to a new provider: whether you’re still in a contract and whether your handset is locked. Then you're ready to start saving.

Choose a new provider and order your new sim card. You’ll be asked if you want to move (or ‘port’) your existing number. Simply supply your number and the current provider’s name, and your new mobile service provider will do the rest. You won’t need to contact your current provider at all.

Once you receive your new sim card and activate it, your old number will move over and soon you’ll be ready to go. It’s that easy. Get ready for savings.

Great news! Get even more value as Pennytel are currently offering three months half price on your plan charge for orders placed before May 27. T&Cs apply, find out more on their website here.